可否 (kě fǒu) — may I ask if it is possible; can or cannot; whether it is possible or not
Definition
Formal written phrase used to politely ask 'whether or not…', typically before a verb (可否接受 = 'may it be accepted?'). It is much more formal than everyday 能 or 可以, and appears in formal letters, official questions, and academic writing.
verb
may I ask if it is possiblecan or cannotwhether it is possible or not
Examples
- 可否？Qǐng wèn kě fǒu zài zhè lǐ tíng chē?May I ask if we can park here?
- 可否？Zhè ge fāng àn kě fǒu jiē shòu?Can this plan be accepted?
- 可否？kě fǒu Qǐng nǐ bāng gè máng?May I ask you for a favor?
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